Across the area

April 16, 2014

The Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind will offer free vision screenings for ages 2 to adult from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25 at the BCAB offices at 300 Fifth?Ave.,?Altoona. Visitors can also see the renovations done to the building and check out the mural.

For more information, call 944-2021.

Article Photos

Courtesy photoAltoona City Firefighters of Local 299 were recently made aware of an issue with the rehabilitation swimming pool at the local Easter Seal Society facility on Valley View Boulevard, Altoona. Funds were needed to repair the filtration system of the pool, which is utilized by many local children. With a quick St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt sale, the firefighters were able to raise $600, which put them over the amount needed to repair the system. Shown at the check presentation are (from left): Chris Dalby, Patrick Miller, Victoria Wuckovich, Nichole Boland, Patty Mallad and Nicholas Wuckovich.

Plant Swap planned in Hollidaysburg

HOLLIDAYSBURG -?A Community Plant Swap, a free event, will be held at 10 a.m. May 3 at First United Methodist Church, 801 Allegheny St.

The event will give garden enthusiasts the opportunity to meet new people, share enthusiasm for gardening, give abundant plants and take home lots of new varieties to transform their 2014 garden.

After the swap, any remaining plants will be given away. Free-will donations will be accepted to support the church garden club.

Family and friends of Jodie Koegler are holding a cancer benefit fundraiser from 5:30 to 10 p.m. May 3 at the United Veterans Association club, 1809 Union Ave., Altoona.

A pasta dinner will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by entertainment by a DJ, basket raffles, door prizes and a cash bar.

Jodie is 42 years old. Approximately 5 years ago, she was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. And last year, she learned that she also has Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS Cancer). At the end of last year, she was told that the cancer was in remission, but she just recently learned that the CML has returned and they will be doing another bone marrow biopsy in April to determine the status of the MDS Cancer.

She also has Degenerative Joint Disease which is affecting her jaw, and is in need of major dental surgery.

She has been bravely fighting these diseases while living in Illinois for the past two years with her husband and children, separated from the rest of her family in Pennsylvania, due to her husband's employment.

In addition to dealing with the cancer and DJD, about a month ago she had a seizure, for unknown reasons, and is now unable to drive herself the approximate 2 1/2 hours each way for weekly medical treatments and other medical appointments.

Donatinos are being sought to help with the medical and travel expenses for Jodie.

For tickets to the fundraiser, call Lorrie Zimmerman at 932-1780, Pat Krull at 932-2925, Heather Krull at 932-1197, Becky Stiffler at 312-7606, Shelly Krull at 330-0063 or Amy Koegler at 937-1033. Tickets are also available at Thompson's Pharmacy, Chestnut Avenue and Hollidaysburg locations.

For more information, visit "Jodie Koegler Cancer Benefit" on Facebook.

Wellness check to be held May 3

HUNTINGDON -? J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital and the Kiwanis Club of Huntingdon are partnering for the third year to offer a Community Wellness Check from 7 to 10 a.m. May 3 in the J.C. Blair Education Center on the hospital campus.

The Kiwanis Club will be offering healthy breakfast refreshments and hospitality for the event.

The Wellness Check is for adults 18 and older. Participants should not eat or drink anything, except water, after midnight the night before. Results will be sent to each participant and his or her primary care provider. If a participant does not have a primary care provider, one of J.C. Blair Medical Services' physicians will be assigned to follow up. Payment can be made by check, cash or credit card at the time of the screening.

Space is limited, so appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, call 643-8484.